THE future of Cain's brewery was secured last night after weeks of talks.

Two Asian entrepreneurs finally won the multi-million pound auction for the Merseyside brewery yesterday and announced that a thorough review of the business would be carried out.

But the deal still leaves a question mark over how many jobs will be retained, until the review is complete.

Brothers Sudarghara and Ajmail Dusarji, owners of a Midlands drinks business, said the crucial factor was that Cain's tradition would be maintained.

Sudarghara said: "Cain's has been important to Liverpool's economy for many years and we recognise the need to preserve the heritage of the company and firmly believe that we can take this piece of history and transform it into a modern-day success story.

"We are carrying out a thorough review of the business and will of course consult with employees and their representatives about any changes."

The pair, who control Birmingham's Gardner Shaw lemonade and drinks distribution business, were thought to have pulled out of the deal some weeks ago but were persuaded back to the negotiating table.

Cain's employs around 150 people at the brewery and at a number of public houses around the city.

News of the buy-out was welcomed by Riverside MP Louise Ellman who said: "This is good news for the brewery and for Liverpool. The fact that the new people have said they will relocate to the area shows a real commitment."

Coun Peter Millea, city council executive member for regeneration, was equally enthusiastic: "We are pleased that Liverpool will retain its last remaining brewer."

However, there was disappointment for the losers in the bidding war, especially the brewery's former managing director, Steve Holt.

He said: "We have had the funding in place for the last three months."

It was late last year that the Danish Brewer group announced its intention to sell Cain's, which has been struggling to make a profit principally due to the stiff competition in the market for supermarketbranded beers and lagers.

Sudarghara Dusarji added: "Our intention is to grow the business in the pub trade as well supermarket trade. The synergies with our other business will also be useful."

There had been tears several weeks ago when the deal collapsed, but now at least the majority, if not all, of the Cain's jobs should be saved.